Fujikura Cuts Capex for F2008 Seeing Slow Economy

Fujikura cuts down capital expenditure for fiscal 2008 ending March 2009 by 10% to 36 billion yen from previously planned 40 billion yen. The firm reviews some capex plans for electronic materials, automotive parts and telecommunication appliances when global economy sharply downturned. The firm resizes capex plan along the present market conditions. Fujikura’s actual capex was 17.9 billion yen for the first half of F2008 and 36.4 billion yen for F2007.

Meanwhile, the firm keeps the basic stance to continue aggressive investment for strategic business units, mainly for flexible print circuits (FPC). The firm improved production control system and quality management system of FPC at its core plant in Ayutthaya, Thailand during 1H of F2008. Ayutthaya plant is expected to keep high operation toward November with steady demand mainly from cellular phone makers.